Computer program for continuously monitoring a fluid storage system using synchronized sensors

ABSTRACT

A computer readable medium with a plurality of computer instructions for causing the processor to monitor and regulate a fluid storage system is disclosed. Computer instructions are used for instructing the processor to synchronously collect data using a detection apparatus disposed in a fluid of a vessel. The detection apparatus includes a housing with at least one pressure sensor and at least one temperature sensor for synchronously collecting data. Each sensor communicates with the processor and a signaling means to provide synchronized data. Computer instructions can instruct the processor to continuously form at least one calculated value, such as a value for mass of the fluid, from the data synchronously collected, continuously compare the calculated value to at least one predetermined range of values to identify if the at least one calculated value is within the predetermined range of values, and communicate the compared values to an auxiliary device.

FIELD

The embodiments generally relate to a computer-readable medium having computer instructions for instructing a processor to monitor a fluid storage system including a detection apparatus disposed in a vessel for synchronously collecting and processing data.

BACKGROUND

Large storage tanks are used to store hydrocarbon-based fuels and other products for future use. In many cases, these tanks are arranged close to one another to form tank farms. Probe assemblies and other detection and monitoring devices can be installed within or onto the tank to monitor the amount of fluid in the tank as well as the changes in conditions or state properties of the fluid, itself. However, many of the existing monitoring and detection devises are limited in their ability to compensate for changes in the storage tanks, such as bulging of the walls of the tank. In addition, many existing devices perform sequential measurements for monitoring state properties of the fluids which can create problems in consistency and accuracy of values.

A need exists for computer programs that include computer instructions for instructing processes that use a highly sensitive monitoring and detection apparatus that is easy to manufacture and easy to install. A need exists for computer programs that include computer instructions for instructing processes that have the ability to function using synchronized sensing devices for increased accuracy in measurements.

A need exists for computer programs that include instructing processes that use a multiple sensor housing for various types of hydrostatic tank samplings and hybrid method samplings. The sensors need to be able to perform synchronized measurements for increased accuracy and consistency with regard to measurements.

The embodiments meet these needs.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The detailed description will be better understood in conjunction with the accompanying drawings as follows:

FIG. 1 a depicts a cross-sectional side view of an embodiment of a housing of sensing module of the detection apparatus for use in vessels for measuring state properties of contained fluids.

FIG. 1 b depicts a top view of the embodiment depicted of FIG. 1 a.

FIG. 2 a depicts a cross-sectional side view of the bottom section of an embodiment of a housing of a detection apparatus with multiple sensor holes.

FIG. 2 b depicts a top view of the embodiment depicted of FIG. 2 a.

FIG. 3 depicts an embodiment of a method for monitoring a fluid storage system that can be included in a computer-readable medium.

FIG. 4 depicts an illustration of a computer system to perform the embodiments.

The embodiments are detailed below with reference to the listed Figures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Before explaining the embodiments in detail, it is to be understood that the embodiments are not limited to the particular embodiments, and that they can be practiced or carried out in various ways.

The present embodiments generally relate to a computer-readable medium having computer instructions stored thereon for monitoring and regulating a fluid storage system. The computer-readable medium includes computer instructions which, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to monitor and regulate the fluid storage system through data input from sensors located on a detection apparatus to the processor and with interface and display to a data collector or auxiliary device for a user.

The embodiments of the computer-readable medium include computer instructions for synchronously collecting data using the detection apparatus disposed in a fluid in a vessel of the fluid storage system, and collecting the data input using a least one pressure sensor and at least one temperature sensor disposed in a housing of the detection apparatus.

The embodiments include attaching the detection apparatus to different types of vessels, such as a tank, a chamber, a container, a vat, a barrel, a storage reservoir, or other storage containers. The vessels can be structures with or without floating roofs.

The computer-readable medium, having input from the detection apparatus, can include monitoring and regulating such fluids as: a liquid, a gas, a fluid with a particulate matter, and combinations thereof, such as vapors which can be hydrocarbon based vaporous gases. The vapors can result from the gas or the liquid. Other examples of fluids that can monitored and measured can include water, wine, beer, gasoline, oil, pharmaceuticals, another hydrocarbon, a benzene, other organic chemicals, alcohol, acid, esters, inert gases, vapors thereof.

The embodiments include using a detection apparatus for providing data input that includes a multiple sensor housing adapted for engaging a tubular. The tubular can be composed of such durable material as machined stainless steel, plastic, a metal alloy, Kynar, composites, ceramic composites, and formed polymer blends such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC). The detection apparatus includes connecting the tubular to the housing, which can be made of the same type of durable material as the tubular and can have the same diameter and shape for connecting to the tubular.

The housing includes a housing top with a surface parallel to and beneath the housing top, a housing bottom, an outer surface, and a sloped inner surface sloping from the outer surface toward a housing axis. The outer surface can include a seal to provide a leak-proof, engagement between the housing and the tubular. The detection apparatus can comprise a secondary sloped surface for encouraging easy escape of fluids from the housing. This secondary sloped surface can be a smooth-walled surface, and is positioned below the sloped inner surface. Further, the embodied detection apparatus can include a mounting hole that is parallel to the vertical axis of the housing, wherein the mounting hole is adapted to receive a strain relief fastener.

The housing top includes at least one hole disposed through the surface of the housing top and angled to the housing axis. The angling of the hole can range from about 0.001 degrees to about 30.0 degrees as measured from the housing axis. The embodiments include intersecting the hole with the sloped inner surface of the housing.

The housing bottom and top are adapted for engaging a second tubular. As an example, the housing bottom can include threads disposed on the outer surface for engaging the second tubular. In an embodiment, a sleeve can be used for joining the second tubular to the first tubular. Additional sleeves can be used for forming an extended detection apparatus with two or more housings containing synchronized sensors, two or more tubulars, and the electronics head.

In an embodiment, the hole located in the housing can be adapted to fit one or more sensors, in which the sensors can include at least one pressure sensor and at least one temperature sensor disposed in a housing of the detection apparatus, for synchronously and/or simultaneously collecting data. The sensors can be disposed in the wall of the hole and flush mounted with the sloped inner surface. The housing can include additional holes for additional sensors. The holes sizes for the sensors can vary since temperature sensors can be different in diameter than pressure sensors.

In an embodiment, the pressure sensors can be flush mounted in the sloped inner surface for detection of pressure data, in which computer instructions can be used with the pressure sensors for synchronously collecting the pressure data. In another embodiment, computer instructions can be used for collecting sensor data from multiple submersible sensors, that have been installed with flexible connectors, such as a wire or a chain, to the vessel. Further computer instructions can be used for communicating the sensor data from multiple submersible sensors to the processor.

The embodiments of the computer readable medium include computer instructions for synchronously and/or simultaneously collecting and processing the data from each sensor by each sensor communicating with a signaling means and a processor. All of the sensors are connected to or transmit to a signaling means. The signaling means can be disposed above the hole in the detection apparatus for use in communicating sensor data with a processor in proximity to the housing top. Synchronized sensors' processing provides for simultaneous monitoring and measuring of the fluid, in real-time, to provide a higher level of accuracy and consistency for fluid measurements and flow calculations than other detection devices.

All of the sensors can synchronously collect data, which means collecting data at the same moment in time. The data can be digital data, analog data, or combinations thereof. Then, computer instructions can be used for communicating the sensor data at selected predetermined time intervals to the processor, which includes using the memory and computer instructions for receiving the sensor data from the signaling means in communication with the sensors.

The embodiments of the computer readable medium include using computer instructions stored in the memory for continuously forming at least one calculated value from the sensor data synchronously collected using the detection apparatus. Examples of the at least one calculated value include: a mass of the fluid, a fluid volume, average temperature of the fluid, a multiple spot temperature of the fluid, a multiple density strata of the fluid, an average density of the fluid, a level of the fluid, a fluid flow rate, an impurity content of the fluid, a vapor pressure, a vapor temperature, an atmospheric pressure, an atmospheric temperature, an entrained water content of the fluid, a free water content of the fluid, and combinations thereof.

Next, computer instructions are used for continuously comparing the at least one calculated value to at least one predetermined range of values for the fluid in the vessel to identify if the at least one calculated value is within the predetermined range of values and forming compared values as a result.

Then, the embodiments of the computer readable medium include using computer instructions for communicating the compared values from the processor to a data collector. This step of the method can include computer instructions for instructing the processor to transmit the at least one compared value to an auxiliary device, such as a remote terminal unit (such as, a Bristol Babcock RTU for tubularline monitoring), a distributive control system (such as, a Honeywell DSC 3000), a supervised control and data acquisition (SCADA) system (such a, a Human Machine Interface system), a computer (such as, a PC), a tank gauge interface unit (such as, 1515 ETGI provided by Gauging Systems, Inc., of Houston, Tex.), and similar type devices.

The computer instructions can be used for transmitting the values to a transceiver, such as a radio transceiver, a satellite, a cellular transceiver, or other similar type transceivers. In an embodiment, the transmitting of the calculated values, and results of the performed comparisons to the predetermined range of values, to an auxiliary device can be in real-time, to create a natural and seamless communication.

In an embodiment, a locking integrity bag can be placed over the processor for preventing tampering with the processor. The locking integrity bag can include a radio alarm for alerting a user of a breach of security, such as the lock has been opened, the bag has been opened, or combinations thereof. The locking bag can be composed of a weather-proof material, such as NOMEX.

In an embodiment, the computer readable medium can include computer instructions for collecting bottom reference data that can be synchronously collected from a top mounted detection apparatus, which can be installed by suspending the detection apparatus from the interior roof of the vessel. In this embodiment, the detection apparatus can be magnetically connected to the roof or the upper walls of the vessel by using a magnetic field. For example, a magnetic base can be connected to a flexible neck for threadably attaching or mounting the detection apparatus to the magnetic base, which creates a magnetic field for attachment to the walls or interior roof of the vessel. After the detection apparatus is magnetically connected to the vessel, computer instructions are used for communicating the sensor data from the sensors on the detection apparatus to the processor.

In an embodiment, the detection apparatus can be attached to the roof of the vessel by using clamps. In this embodiment, the top mounted bottom reference detection apparatus can hang from the roof of the vessel by using clamps that are secured around the tubular. The top mounted detection apparatus can attach to the vessels with a variety of roofs, such as, cone roofs, or other shaped roofs. In another embodiment, a slipping flange assembly can guide a portion of the detection apparatus through the roof of a vessel to allow roof movement without affecting the detection apparatus.

Alternatively, the computer readable medium can include computer instructions for enabling bottom reference data to be synchronously collected from a bottom mounted detection apparatus, in which the mounting of the detection apparatus can include a spaced apart relationship from a bottom most portion the vessel. In this embodiment of the process, a cone shaped spacer, a single leg device, or a multiple leg device can be used for mounting and spacing the detection apparatus with the bottom most portion the vessel.

In one embodiment, the detection apparatus can attach to the bottom of a vessel using a magnetic shoe or foot section. The magnetic foot can be used to secure the bottom of the probe on the bottom of the tank, when such bottom is inclined or sloped. In an embodiment, the detection apparatus can be mounted in a vertical positioning for enabling the sensors to be properly placed and maintained for accurate synchronized sensing and measuring of the properties of the fluids in the vessel.

An embodiment of the detection apparatus can include a scratch resistant base. The scratch resistant base can be made from such materials as: Teflon™, a scratch resistant polymer, and combinations thereof, for protecting the vessel when the bottom mounted detection apparatus is installed. The scratch resistant base can be formed in various shapes, including: a square, a rectangle, an angled-shape, a circle, an oval, and combinations thereof. If there is a conical bottom, a magnetic shoe can be used. A flexible joint can be used to attach to the magnetic shoe.

An embodiment of the computer readable medium includes computer instructions for collecting ambient or atmospheric pressure data and temperature data from a first portion of the detection apparatus positioned above a roof of the vessel, and collecting vapor pressure data and vapor temperature data from a second portion of the detection apparatus positioned within an interior of the vessel and just below the roof. Examples of these types of data include: extreme pressures, extreme temperatures, formations of vacuums, high amounts of hydrocarbon emissions, other harmful chemical emissions from vessels, or combinations thereof. In an embodiment, the computer readable medium includes providing immediate notifications and alarms to a user to alert the user of potentially harmful gases, liquids, and vapors that are escaping into the atmosphere and surrounding areas.

In an embodiment, the computer readable medium can include computer instructions for comparing and communicating values, such as comparing a manually sampled series of measured values from a well gauge of the vessel to values detected using the detection apparatus. For example, the detection apparatus can be aligned with a vessel's well gauge or gauge hatch located adjacent to or in proximity to the detection apparatus. The aligning can be performed using computer instructions and a common reference point within the vessel so that uncertainties caused by comparisons with the manual gauging due to reference point movement or bottom movement of the vessel are eliminated.

Safety and environmental benefits for this process of monitoring a fluid storage system include improvements to accuracy of readings and measurement values with regard to the emissions of hydrocarbons and other possibly harmful chemicals.

With reference to the figures, FIG. 1 a depicts a cross-sectional side view of an embodiment of a housing of a detection apparatus of sensing module of the detection apparatus for use in vessels for measuring state properties of contained fluids. FIG. 1 b depicts a cross-sectional top view of the embodiment depicted if FIG. 1 a. The housing (5) includes a top (10) and a bottom (15) with a hole (20). FIG. 1 a further depicts a seal grooves (45 a and 45 b) on the exterior for a seal to provide a leak-proof, engagement between the housing and the tubular. As exampled, the housing (5) can connect to a tubular using threaded engagements (40 a and 40 a).

The housing (5) includes an outer surface and a sloped inner surface (30). The sloped inner surface (30) can slope from the outer surface toward the central axis (35) of the housing. The sloped inner surface (30) intersects with a hole (20) of the housing enabling a pressure sensor's diaphragm to be flush mounted in the sloped inner surface (30). A secondary sloped surface (25) can be formed in the housing opposite the inner sloped surface for easy escape of fluids from the housing.

As exampled in the figures, the hole can be centrally disposed in the top (10) and parallel to a central axis (35) of the housing (5) for holding sensors. As exampled, the hole (20) can be a smooth-walled aperture with a typical diameter of ⅝ inch. The range in diameter for the hole can be generally from about 0.5 inches to about 5.0 inches with a length from about 0.5 inches to about 10.0 inches. For example, a typical ¾ inch diameter hole formed in the housing can have about 1.0 inch in length. In FIG. 1 a, the hole (20) is shown extending from the top (10) through to the sloped inner surface (30).

As an example, the sloped inner surface (30) can be sloped at an angle of from about 0.001 degrees to about 30.0 degrees from the imaginable surface perpendicular to the central axis (35) of the housing. As exampled in FIG. 1 a, the sloped inner surface has an angled slope of 5.0 degrees from the central axis. The slope of the sloped inner surface should be adequate for fitting one or more sensors within the interior of the housing for detecting data and obtaining readings and measurements. The hole and the slope can be adapted for accommodating both at least one pressure sensor and at least one temperature sensor.

The embodiments of the computer readable medium include disposing sensors in the walls of the hole (20) of the housing for synchronously and simultaneously collecting data. FIG. 2 a depicts a cross-sectional side view of the bottom section of an embodiment of a housing of a detection apparatus with multiple sensor holes. FIG. 2 b depicts a top view of the embodiment depicted if FIG. 2 a. FIG. 2 a and FIG. 2 b depict an embodiment with three sensors holes (20 a. 20 b. and 20 c). The sensors are for synchronous and continuous measuring and monitoring or for redundancy. The sensors can be a combination of analog and digital sensors, or the sensors can be analog sensors or digital sensors, only. The sensors provide readings and measurements performed in synchronization and in real-time for increased accuracy. As an example, a pressure sensor usable in the hole of the detection apparatus for use in the vessel can be a piezo-resistive sensor with current or voltage excitation. As depicted in FIG. 2 a and FIG. 2 b, multiple holes can be drilled in the housing, wherein each hole can contain only a temperature and pressure sensor or combinations of two sensors. Each hole should extend from the top of the housing to the sloped inner surface of the housing, as depicted in FIG. 1 a and FIG. 2 a. FIG. 1 b and FIG. 2 b further depict threaded holes (22 a and 22 b), if needed, next to the sensor holes for sensor attachment.

Using multiple sensors in the housing provides redundancy that, in turn, can minimize downtime for maintenance. The enhanced detection provided by the embodied apparatus can aid in preventing toxic spills quickly and efficiently since leaks can be detected much quicker than before.

In another embodiment, the detection apparatus can have a sensor located above the roof of a vessel and a sensor located within an interior of the vessel for simultaneously measuring gas and vapor pressure above and below the roof for the purposes of structural roof damage prevention/alarming and gathering data for hydrocarbon emissions control.

The signaling device can be disposed in the walls of the hole (20) and used with computer instructions for communications between sensors and for communications from the sensors to the processor. Examples of signaling devices usable with the embodiments include: wires, cables, fiber optics, a wireless link, or combinations thereof. FIG. 1 a, FIG. 1 b, FIG. 2 a, and FIG. 2 b depict the communication hole (50) to house the signaling device or devices.

A processor can be located on the top of the detection apparatus for processing data received from the sensors and transmitting values. The sensors themselves do not constitute a processor. The embodiments contemplate that the processor can be remotely located to the sensor housing. The processor can be instructed by computer instructions on the computer readable medium to receive sensor data from the sensors and convert the sensor data to one or more values via calculation and computation for transmission to an auxiliary device, which can be performed in real-time. As an example, the calculation can compare the sensor data to preset limits or predetermined ranges of values that relate directly to the fluid in the vessel, or the type of vapor pressure being monitored. The processor can have memory with computer instructions and database storage for containing those comparative values, and for holding the algorithms for computing whether the monitored data is within the preset limits or ranges.

The processor using computer instructions on the computer readable medium can transmit the compared values to an auxiliary device with an interface for a user, such as a graphical user interface and an interactive display, for displaying the calculated values and compared calculated values to the user. The processor can transmit using frequency transmissions; wireless transmissions; cellular transmissions; a network connection, such as Internet transmissions; and combinations thereof.

The auxiliary device, such as a computer, can be used for display of the compared calculated values and presentation of alarms, if needed, as in the situation of the calculated values exceeding the preset limits.

A strain relief rod can be inserted through the housing to serves as relief of strain from the cable. The strain relief rod can be a threaded rod, a strap fastener, or another type of strain relief fastener. FIG. 1 a and FIG. 2 a depicts the hole for the strain relief pin (55).

The embodiments can include a joint sleeve located on an end of the tubular that is opposite from the attached housing. The joint sleeve can be used for threadably joining the first tubular to a second tubular to form an extended detection apparatus.

It should be clear that the invention probe can be formed with multiple housings each with multiple sensors. Probes can have between 2 and 150 housings each with multiple sensors are contemplated herein.

FIG. 3 depicts an embodiment of a method for monitoring a fluid storage system that can be included in a computer-readable medium. The method includes using computer instructions for synchronously collecting data using a detection apparatus disposed in a fluid in a vessel (Step 200). The detection apparatus can include at least one pressure sensor and at least one temperature sensor disposed in a housing of the detection apparatus, and each sensor can be in communication with a signaling means and a processor of the detection apparatus.

The next steps of method include using computer instructions for continuously forming at least one calculated value from the data synchronously collected using the processor in communication with the sensors (Step 202). Examples of the at least one calculated value include: mass of the fluid, fluid volume, average temperature of the fluid, multiple spot temperature of the fluid, multiple density strata of the fluid, average density of the fluid, level of the fluid, fluid flow rate, an impurity content of the fluid, vapor pressure, vapor temperature, atmospheric pressure, atmospheric temperature, entrained water content of the fluid, free water content of the fluid, and combinations thereof.

The steps of the method continue by using computer instructions for continuously comparing the at least one calculated value to at least one predetermined range of values for the fluid in the vessel to identify if the at least one calculated value is within the predetermined range of values (Step 204). Then, the method includes using computer instructions for communicating these compared values from the processor to a data collector for monitoring and regulating the fluid storage system (Step 206).

FIG. 4 depicts an illustration of a computer system to perform the embodiments. A workstation (300) includes a computer (301), which can be coupled to a video display (302) via an external graphics bus (306). The external graphics bus (306) can be an Advanced Graphics Port (AGP) compliant bus. The term “coupled” encompasses a direct connection, an indirect connection, or the like. The computer (301) in one embodiment includes a processor (310), such as the Pentium™ III processor manufactured by Intel Corp. of Santa Clara, Calif. In another embodiment, the processor (310) can be an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC). The computer (301) can include a memory (320) coupled to the processor. The memory (320) can encompass devices adapted to store digital information, such as Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM), Rambus™ DRAM (RDRAM), flash memory, a hard disk, an optical digital storage device, a combination thereof. The computer (301) can be coupled to a keyboard (303) and a mouse (304) via an external computer bus (305). In one embodiment, the external computer bus (305) is a Universal Serial Bus (USB) compliant bus.

The memory (320) can include instructions adapted to be executed by the processor (310) to perform a method in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The term “instructions adapted to be executed” is meant to encompass any instructions that are ready to be executed in their present form (for example, machine code) by a processor, or that require further manipulation, for example compilation, decryption, decoding, or provided with an access code, etc., to be ready to be executed by a processor, such as the processor in FIG. 9 (310). In one embodiment, the memory (320) can include a graphical user interface (GUI) module (321) to implement an interface.

In an embodiment, the workstation (300) is coupled to a server (360) via a network (350). Examples of network (350) include the internet, a WAN (wide area network), a LAN (local area network), an intranet, a communications network, a computer network, and combinations thereof. In one embodiment, the server (360) is coupled to a storage device that typically stores data on a magnetic medium, such as a magnetic disk. For example, the storage device may store application programs and associated data files/documents. Examples of documents include word processing documents, spreadsheet documents, HTML (Hypertext Markup Language) documents, and the like. Workstation (300) can access data stored in the storage device via server (360) and network (350). In an embodiment, server (360) can display information on display (302) by sending information signals to workstation (300) via network (350). Examples of display information include data, a GUI component, a web page, and the like.

Data (323) can encompass hierarchical data, non-hierarchical data, and the like. Data (323) can be a document corresponding to a particular application, such as a word processing document, a spreadsheet document, an HTML document, and the like. Further, the data can be digital data, analog data, or a combination of digital and analog data.

Computer instructions adapted to be executed by a processor to perform the embodiments are stored on a computer-readable medium and distributed as software. The computer-readable medium can be a device that stores digital information. For example, a computer-readable medium includes a portable magnetic disk, such as a floppy disk; or a Zip™ disk, manufactured by the Iomega Corporation of Roy, Utah, wherein Zip™ is a registered trademark of Iomega Corporation, or a Compact Disk Read Only Memory (CD-ROM) as is known in the art for distributing software. The computer-readable medium can be distributed to a user that has a processor suitable for executing instructions adapted to be executed.

While these embodiments have been described with emphasis on the embodiments, it should be understood that within the scope of the appended claims, the embodiments might be practiced other than as specifically described herein. 

1. A computer-readable medium having thereon a plurality of instructions, wherein the plurality of instructions include instructions which, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to: a. synchronously collect data at the same moment in time using a detection apparatus disposed in a fluid in the vessel, wherein the detection apparatus comprises at least one pressure sensor and at least one temperature sensor disposed in a housing, wherein each sensor is in communication with a signaling means and the processor; b. continuously form at least one calculated value from the data synchronously collected using the processor, wherein the at least one calculated value is selected from a member of the group consisting of: a mass of the fluid, a fluid volume, an average temperature of the fluid, a multiple spot temperature of the fluid, a multiple density strata of the fluid, an average density of the fluid, a level of the fluid, a fluid flow rate, an impurity content of the fluid, a vapor pressure, a vapor temperature, an atmospheric pressure, an atmospheric temperature, an entrained water content of the fluid, a free water content of the fluid, and combinations thereof; c. continuously compare the at least one calculated value to at least one predetermined range of values for the fluid in the vessel to identify if the at least one calculated value is within the at least one predetermined range of values for forming a compared value; and d. communicate the compared values from the processor to a data collector, using a collection apparatus comprising a housing adapted for engaging a tubular, wherein the housing comprises a housing top with a surface parallel to and beneath the housing top, a housing bottom, at least one hole disposed through the surface and at an angle vertical to the housing, an outer surface, a sloped inner surface sloping from the outer surface toward the housing axis, wherein the sloped inner surface intersects with the hole, and wherein the housing bottom and top are adapted to engage a second tubular.
 2. The computer readable medium of claim 1, wherein the computer instructions cause the processor to synchronously collect data using a collection apparatus comprising: a. at least one sensor disposed in each hole, wherein the pressure sensor comprises a diaphragm flush mounted in the sloped inner surface and a signaling means disposed above the hole for communicating sensor data with a processor in proximity to the housing top; and b. the processor in close proximity to the housing, wherein the processor comprises memory and computer instructions for receiving sensor data from the signaling means and converting the sensor data to at least one value, wherein the computer instructions instruct the processor to transmit the at least one value to an auxiliary device.
 3. The computer readable medium of claim 1, further comprising computer instructions for collecting the data synchronously from each sensor with the processor.
 4. The computer readable medium of claim 1 further comprising computer instructions for collecting the data simultaneously from each sensor with the processor.
 5. The computer readable medium of claim 1, wherein the fluid comprises a member selected from the group consisting of: a gas, a liquid, a fluid with particulate matter, and combinations thereof.
 6. The computer readable medium of claim 1, further comprising computer instructions for synchronously collecting reference data from sensors located on a magnetically connected detection apparatus, wherein a magnetic field is used for magnetically connecting the detection apparatus to the vessel.
 7. The computer readable medium of claim 1, further comprising computer instructions for synchronously collecting atmospheric pressure data and atmospheric temperature data from a first portion of the detection apparatus positioned above a roof of the vessel and synchronously collecting vapor pressure data and vapor temperature data from a second portion of the detection apparatus positioned within the vessel and just below the roof.
 8. The computer readable medium of claim 1, further comprising computer instructions for comparing a manually sampled series of measured values from a gauge well of the vessel to calculated values detected using the detection apparatus.
 9. The computer readable medium of claim 1, further comprising computer instructions for transmitting in real-time the measured values, the calculated values, and results of the performed comparisons to an auxiliary device from the processor wherein the values are transmitted from the processor to the auxiliary device using frequency transmissions, wireless transmissions, cellular transmissions, network connections or combinations thereof.
 10. The computer readable medium of claim 1, further comprising computer instructions for synchronously or simultaneously collecting data, wherein the data comprises a member selected from the group consisting of: a digital data, an analog data, and combinations thereof.
 11. The computer readable medium of claim 1, further comprising computer instructions for collecting sensor data using multiple submersible sensors in communication with the processor, wherein the multiple submersible sensors are installed in the vessel.
 12. The computer readable medium of claim 1 further comprising computer instructions for collecting the data simultaneously from each sensor with the processor.
 13. The computer readable medium of claim 1, wherein the fluid comprises a member selected from the group consisting of: a gas, a liquid, a fluid with particulate matter, and combinations thereof.
 14. A computer-readable medium having thereon a plurality of instructions, wherein the plurality of instructions include instructions which, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to: a. synchronously collect data at the same moment in time using a detection apparatus disposed in a fluid in the vessel, wherein the detection apparatus comprises at least one pressure sensor and at least one temperature sensor disposed in a housing, wherein each sensor is in communication with a signaling means and the processor; b. synchronously collect atmospheric pressure data and atmospheric temperature data from a first portion of the detection apparatus positioned above a roof of the vessel and synchronously collecting vapor pressure data and vapor temperature data from a second portion of the detection apparatus positioned within the vessel and just below the roof; c. continuously form at least one calculated value from the data synchronously collected using the processor, wherein the at least one calculated value is selected from a member of the group consisting of: a mass of the fluid, a fluid volume, an average temperature of the fluid, a multiple spot temperature of the fluid, a multiple density strata of the fluid, an average density of the fluid, a level of the fluid, a fluid flow rate, an impurity content of the fluid, a vapor pressure, a vapor temperature, an atmospheric pressure, an atmospheric temperature, an entrained water content of the fluid, a free water content of the fluid, and combinations thereof; d. continuously compare the at least one calculated value to at least one predetermined range of values for the fluid in the vessel to identify if the at least one calculated value is within the at least one predetermined range of values for forming a compared value; and e. communicate the compared values from the processor to a data collector.
 15. The computer readable medium of claim 14, further comprising computer instructions for collecting the data synchronously from each sensor with the processor.
 16. The computer readable medium of claim 14, further comprising computer instructions for synchronously collecting reference data from sensors located on a magnetically connected detection apparatus, wherein a magnetic field is used for magnetically connecting the detection apparatus to the vessel.
 17. The computer readable medium of claim 14, further comprising computer instructions for comparing a manually sampled series of measured values from a gauge well of the vessel to calculated values detected using the detection apparatus.
 18. The computer readable medium of claim 14, further comprising computer instructions for transmitting in real-time the measured values, the calculated values, and results of the performed comparisons to an auxiliary device from the processor.
 19. The computer readable medium of claim 14, further comprising computer instructions for synchronously or simultaneously collecting data, wherein the data comprises a member selected from the group consisting of: a digital data, an analog data, and combinations thereof.
 20. The computer readable medium of claim 14, further comprising computer instructions for collecting sensor data using multiple submersible sensors in communication with the processor, wherein the multiple submersible sensors are installed in the vessel. 